I have been using a Hover X1 since it came out and find two batteries are more than enough for me as I generally get around 10 minutes per battery which is around 10 separate quick shots per battery. For tripod type shots where you need longer times then you can really only go about 10 minutes in normal temperatures. I think your time was shortened because of what looked to be colder temps and it is very normal for batteries to have much shorter run times when it is cold outside. In my opinion the camera does a very good job being that it is only 2.7k output. The sensor is actually 4k but because of the stabilization and cropping required to stabilize, you only get a 2.7k max video which I feel looks good at the end of the day mixed in with other 4k video. The quality holds up surprisingly well and most people viewing on their phone will not even be able to tell. This camera drone is invaluable as a blogging tool and there is nothing else out so far that does what it does. The quality and features will only get better in time and with newer versions, in fact Hover Air just updated this camera with new tracking features, a side camera that you can place at any angle beside you to track while you walk, and then a mode that starts off in dolly cam but you can also use hand gestures to have it orbit, bird eye and zoom out at will without having to recall the drone to make changes. This feature allows for more shots per battery so that is good.
Hi! Don't disagree with anything you said. It was not that cold out, 50's probably, but for the type of shooting I do, and the constant retakes (dooohhh thats my issue lol) 2 even at 10 minutes is not enough for me personally. I can see how it is for some but, I was only getting 5 to 7 per battery out there at 50F. That's not that great IMO. I just think realistically most folks will need 4 at least, which then makes this little drone pretty pricey. I am NOT in love with the video quality personally, but I think its good for supporting shots for sure. I can't, however, wait to see what the next generation bring. I do like the idea, and I a super eager to see what the next version brings. Super rad device, will be a very useful tool for me, especially with how light it is. No hate or shade, as I too like it, but mostly bc its so dang fun to use! Appreciate your comment and view, I think for what it is, its pretty dang awesome!
Ayyye what up! So I have the S23. Thank so much for the comment and means a lot coming from a fellow creator. I just subbed looking forward to watching your channel. IDK if you saw but they just dropped new models and they look to have addressed these issues and at least on paper, have pretty rad specs. Cheers!
@@HillPhantom thanks so much, just subscribed to you also :) and yes, I just ordered the pro max so I’ve been binge watching videos of the original X1 haha
Hey metal that's so awesome. I was a tech Ed teacher for a bit. I really enjoy using it. Camera isn't the best but so fun to use. Also way easier then lugging a big drone around. Cheers!
Yea for sure it was 50 that day and flown it since in the summer at 80 degrees F and same result :(. Still like it though really fun looking forward to next version. Cheers!
The quality looks great. Hopefully in the future they will update the battery life. Twenty minutes would be a good start from the claimed 11/12 minutes .
Hello. I have a question about this drone. if I am using this drone for social media posts, and I am monetizing, Do I have to register it with the FAA. under Part 107?
Bro you have no clue how much that means to me, and how much I needed to hear it. Thank you so very much. Way awesome and kind bruv! I really, really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. It's funny, and odd, how being a solo creator can seem so lonely, so comments like this mean the world and keep me going! Cheers!
@@HillPhantom I know mate I'm in the same boat, the comments keep ya going sometimes 👌 But yeah man I like your style, I originally found ya channel searching for action camera reviews. Anyway rock on bloke 🤌
Great point for sure, I think that would impact it but it was in the 50 F that day so it shouldnt have been too cold. Looks cold for sure but it was really a pleasant day.
I was thinking about getting one of these for cool shots. But I think I would have to stick with my DJI Air 3. Yeah it's a lot bigger. But it can do way way way more. Flies longer and further. And the camera is vastly superior as there is two of them. But I really like the hover drone
Just wrapping up my review on the new X1 Hoover Pro Max and its solves many of these issues that I found. It actually has the same sensor size as the Mavik and shoots in 8K 30fps and 4K up to 120 fps. But its is expensive and a bit niche in my opinion. I will use it a lot but I will also use my DJI as well for sure. Its really nice though how portable it is, but mate, the battery is such a drag, it runs out so quick!
@@HillPhantom which DJI product do you have? I always like trying out new things and companies. I've had a few different drones. But in terms of drone technology I don't think there's a company that can even come close to DJI in my opinion. Some are getting close. But still not there. I was actually debating whether to try the DJI goggles. Dude they're so expensive. I found my Air 3 battery lasts about 37 minutes. From the rated 46 mins. Which is excellent still. As far as the range I think the farthest I've flown it away from me was like 4 miles. And then started getting really scared. Even though I know it can go like 25 km
@@youandiryan I have the Avata and the Mini Pro 4. I use the Avata to FPV fly and the Mini Pro for like landscape and if I am looking to get good quality as I too think DJI is far beyond others in terms of drones and drone cameras. These little selfie drones are more a novilaty IMO but have some great use cases where I will be happy to have it over my full DJI. Sadly, its seems we need a quiver mate.
@@HillPhantom what do you think ?, w DJI you dnt get actively tracking dolly mode and by the time u set up your dji drone in the air , 10min already passed by only leaving 12min flight time
@@KNETWORK100 yea I get 35 minutes of active tracking with my DJI, not dolly but really dolly or just plane old active tracking there is not more battery usage or less. But really comparing DJI to this is unfair, fully. I am not sure what you mean by 10 min already passed by leaving 12 min flight time? What did I think, well I assumed I would get, since they state 10 to 20 minutes of flight time with hover, well I assumed I would get close to that, not 5 minutes....
Good info but now I'm pissed..... My Hover X1 instantly crashes if I fly it over ANY snow! It freaks out, wobbles and then hits the dirt or snow. Very frustrating! I also constantly get a "turn the device to face the user" message from the drone when attempting to launch it. Again, very frustrating! Just my luck, Customer service from the company is non-existent, literally. I have messaged the company a dozen times and get NO response! I agree with you, pass on this one and find a better quality follow drone. If I can ever get this $400 paperweight to fly again I'm going to send it up as a "clay pigeon". Cheers
Yea its horrible over snow mate, and I get the frustration especially with customer service. Its sad but Chinese customer service is, well, typically really really bad, heck like you said non existent. I am really sorry you had issues and thanks for letting us know! Clay pigeon that is awesome lol...
I saw in a other video that the drone has 2 sensors on the bottom to keep the distance from the SOLID ground, but to not be used over the WATER and i guess it doesn't see the snow as solid ground. As I am a swimmer that for me, it is bad news, but now i know what this (expensive) drone has to be used for. N.1 Portability. N.2 Safety. The blades are not exposed and can be used indoors or anyway in narrower spaces N3. After the first unpacking, it will start so much faster than any other drone. Negativity is too many. For instance my idea of shooting from the balcony (terrace) of a sea side apartment having the drone filming me on the balcony from out side the balcony and the panorama around on the 8 floor it will mean that once it feels that there's more than 15 metres from the ground may start to loose control and may crash.
@@DarioSinger hi, I am a swimmer as well and a fisherman so the water thing is a bummer for sure! Yea its a no go over water, and is 50/50 if it will work over snow. The 15 foot is limiting, but I find is ok for b roll stuff. Overall a really cool kit and I do use it a bit but eagerly waiting to see what they do next. Cheers and thanks for the awesome comment.
@@DarioSinger Hi Dario, this is definitely not the drone for you either. I wanted mine for similar shots to what you want and it doesn't work for that. DJI is probably the way to go.
I have been using a Hover X1 since it came out and find two batteries are more than enough for me as I generally get around 10 minutes per battery which is around 10 separate quick shots per battery. For tripod type shots where you need longer times then you can really only go about 10 minutes in normal temperatures. I think your time was shortened because of what looked to be colder temps and it is very normal for batteries to have much shorter run times when it is cold outside. In my opinion the camera does a very good job being that it is only 2.7k output. The sensor is actually 4k but because of the stabilization and cropping required to stabilize, you only get a 2.7k max video which I feel looks good at the end of the day mixed in with other 4k video. The quality holds up surprisingly well and most people viewing on their phone will not even be able to tell. This camera drone is invaluable as a blogging tool and there is nothing else out so far that does what it does. The quality and features will only get better in time and with newer versions, in fact Hover Air just updated this camera with new tracking features, a side camera that you can place at any angle beside you to track while you walk, and then a mode that starts off in dolly cam but you can also use hand gestures to have it orbit, bird eye and zoom out at will without having to recall the drone to make changes. This feature allows for more shots per battery so that is good.
Hi! Don't disagree with anything you said. It was not that cold out, 50's probably, but for the type of shooting I do, and the constant retakes (dooohhh thats my issue lol) 2 even at 10 minutes is not enough for me personally. I can see how it is for some but, I was only getting 5 to 7 per battery out there at 50F. That's not that great IMO. I just think realistically most folks will need 4 at least, which then makes this little drone pretty pricey. I am NOT in love with the video quality personally, but I think its good for supporting shots for sure. I can't, however, wait to see what the next generation bring. I do like the idea, and I a super eager to see what the next version brings. Super rad device, will be a very useful tool for me, especially with how light it is. No hate or shade, as I too like it, but mostly bc its so dang fun to use! Appreciate your comment and view, I think for what it is, its pretty dang awesome!
@@HillPhantom Really great review by the way!
@@getfitover40 Thank so much!!!!!
Agree …I find two batteries is fine…..I guess it depends on your needs…..likewise interesting review
Totally, than you for your honesty, the battery issue would be a deal breaker
Your very welcome ths knyou for your comment!!! Cheers
When you switched to your phone the quality was still amazing! What phone do you have that shoots this clear? Lol great review!
Ayyye what up! So I have the S23. Thank so much for the comment and means a lot coming from a fellow creator. I just subbed looking forward to watching your channel. IDK if you saw but they just dropped new models and they look to have addressed these issues and at least on paper, have pretty rad specs. Cheers!
@@HillPhantom thanks so much, just subscribed to you also :) and yes, I just ordered the pro max so I’ve been binge watching videos of the original X1 haha
Thank you for you honest review 🙏🏽
Thank you sir for the watch! Cheers
Your review and video is the reason why I bought this lol.
Nice! Good kit just buy extra batteries
How much is this and an extra battery?
That looks great, I can see many uses for my metal detecting and e bike reviews here in the UK.
A massive thanks from the skill school.
Hey metal that's so awesome. I was a tech Ed teacher for a bit. I really enjoy using it. Camera isn't the best but so fun to use. Also way easier then lugging a big drone around. Cheers!
Check the manual about operating temperature for the lipo batteries. They don't like cold weather, so that might explain the short battery life.
Yea for sure it was 50 that day and flown it since in the summer at 80 degrees F and same result :(. Still like it though really fun looking forward to next version. Cheers!
The quality looks great. Hopefully in the future they will update the battery life. Twenty minutes would be a good start from the claimed 11/12 minutes .
I'd love to see it and I'm certain we will. I do enjoy using it for sure!!!
It should retail for $30-40 like the 1,000 drones in its category
Hello.
I have a question about this drone.
if I am using this drone for social media posts, and I am monetizing, Do I have to register it with the FAA. under Part 107?
Sure how can I help?
Dig your content bro just found your channel recently 🤙 Keep doing what ya doing 😎🙏
Bro you have no clue how much that means to me, and how much I needed to hear it. Thank you so very much. Way awesome and kind bruv! I really, really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. It's funny, and odd, how being a solo creator can seem so lonely, so comments like this mean the world and keep me going! Cheers!
@@HillPhantom I know mate I'm in the same boat, the comments keep ya going sometimes 👌 But yeah man I like your style, I originally found ya channel searching for action camera reviews. Anyway rock on bloke 🤌
@@MVDBR heck ya! Just subbed, LFG!
Honest... I like it. Thanks man. That's the same issue I had with my pocket drone from a few years ago. The battery life is horrible.
Thanks! I think the new ones are gonna be a lot better in the battery life department. Cheers!
i just want to know if it will follow me in a crowd.
That's a great question. I am not sure. And I hate crowds so can't test sadly
Isn't the battery life so short due to the cold?
Great point for sure, I think that would impact it but it was in the 50 F that day so it shouldnt have been too cold. Looks cold for sure but it was really a pleasant day.
Is the audio fix in the app or do you have to remove it later after the video?
In app happens automatically no need for the user to do anything the app does it all for you. It's pretty cool
@@HillPhantom Cool! Thanks for the answer 🙂
@@HillPhantom would it work with AirPods or other Bluetooth devices with a mic?
@@Hagenmeister sure will.
I was thinking about getting one of these for cool shots. But I think I would have to stick with my DJI Air 3. Yeah it's a lot bigger. But it can do way way way more. Flies longer and further. And the camera is vastly superior as there is two of them. But I really like the hover drone
Just wrapping up my review on the new X1 Hoover Pro Max and its solves many of these issues that I found. It actually has the same sensor size as the Mavik and shoots in 8K 30fps and 4K up to 120 fps. But its is expensive and a bit niche in my opinion. I will use it a lot but I will also use my DJI as well for sure. Its really nice though how portable it is, but mate, the battery is such a drag, it runs out so quick!
@@HillPhantom which DJI product do you have? I always like trying out new things and companies. I've had a few different drones. But in terms of drone technology I don't think there's a company that can even come close to DJI in my opinion. Some are getting close. But still not there. I was actually debating whether to try the DJI goggles. Dude they're so expensive. I found my Air 3 battery lasts about 37 minutes. From the rated 46 mins. Which is excellent still. As far as the range I think the farthest I've flown it away from me was like 4 miles. And then started getting really scared. Even though I know it can go like 25 km
@@HillPhantomabsolutely excellent review by the way
@@youandiryan I have the Avata and the Mini Pro 4. I use the Avata to FPV fly and the Mini Pro for like landscape and if I am looking to get good quality as I too think DJI is far beyond others in terms of drones and drone cameras. These little selfie drones are more a novilaty IMO but have some great use cases where I will be happy to have it over my full DJI. Sadly, its seems we need a quiver mate.
@@youandiryan thanks bro I really really appreciate that!
I think this one will serve my purposes until I have $$ for the upgraded X1Pro max - thanks for the video
Thanks for the watch and combo its a blast to fly! Enjoy!
Honest review. I wouldn't buy one yet. I think they need to upgrade the camera . Then I might buy it.
Spot on. More a toy than camera. I think I'll use it a bit but more a novelty than camera imo
I think maybe the X3 will be much better!
I have 4 batteries with mine....all my drones have at least 3 batteries.
Totally mate, I am getting three more to make six! At this point tho, I could have bought a DJI lol.
@@HillPhantom what do you think ?, w DJI you dnt get actively tracking dolly mode and by the time u set up your dji drone in the air , 10min already passed by only leaving 12min flight time
@@KNETWORK100 yea I get 35 minutes of active tracking with my DJI, not dolly but really dolly or just plane old active tracking there is not more battery usage or less. But really comparing DJI to this is unfair, fully. I am not sure what you mean by 10 min already passed by leaving 12 min flight time? What did I think, well I assumed I would get, since they state 10 to 20 minutes of flight time with hover, well I assumed I would get close to that, not 5 minutes....
Good info but now I'm pissed..... My Hover X1 instantly crashes if I fly it over ANY snow! It freaks out, wobbles and then hits the dirt or snow. Very frustrating! I also constantly get a "turn the device to face the user" message from the drone when attempting to launch it. Again, very frustrating! Just my luck, Customer service from the company is non-existent, literally. I have messaged the company a dozen times and get NO response! I agree with you, pass on this one and find a better quality follow drone. If I can ever get this $400 paperweight to fly again I'm going to send it up as a "clay pigeon". Cheers
Yea its horrible over snow mate, and I get the frustration especially with customer service. Its sad but Chinese customer service is, well, typically really really bad, heck like you said non existent. I am really sorry you had issues and thanks for letting us know! Clay pigeon that is awesome lol...
I saw in a other video that the drone has 2 sensors on the bottom to keep the distance from the SOLID ground, but to not be used over the WATER and i guess it doesn't see the snow as solid ground.
As I am a swimmer that for me, it is bad news, but now i know what this (expensive) drone has to be used for. N.1 Portability. N.2 Safety. The blades are not exposed and can be used indoors or anyway in narrower spaces N3. After the first unpacking, it will start so much faster than any other drone.
Negativity is too many. For instance my idea of shooting from the balcony (terrace) of a sea side apartment having the drone filming me on the balcony from out side the balcony and the panorama around on the 8 floor it will mean that once it feels that there's more than 15 metres from the ground may start to loose control and may crash.
@@DarioSinger hi, I am a swimmer as well and a fisherman so the water thing is a bummer for sure! Yea its a no go over water, and is 50/50 if it will work over snow. The 15 foot is limiting, but I find is ok for b roll stuff. Overall a really cool kit and I do use it a bit but eagerly waiting to see what they do next. Cheers and thanks for the awesome comment.
@@DarioSinger Hi Dario, this is definitely not the drone for you either. I wanted mine for similar shots to what you want and it doesn't work for that. DJI is probably the way to go.
@@lifebehindbarz60 i think i need both. What i like of the Hover is the size. I live in London space size space are not always pn our side. 🙂
The video and cam on these are awful based on what it is priced at
Truth, the new models just launched, pricey but seems they fixed the camera issues
Battery life sucks!!! Stay away!!
Yeah, it’s more of a novelty than compared to the DJI, which are for professionals
Yeah, it’s more of a novelty than compared to the DJI, which are for professionals i.e
It’s pretty much like the ones I saw at Walgreens or CVS